Global Packaging Firm ‘Checks’ In At Historic Windmill

A Notts based packaging giant has provided a cash injection to an historic working windmill as part of the firm’s 'year of giving' campaign.

As part of its campaign, The Wilkins Group, based in Colwick, will be making one donation each month throughout 2025 to local causes impacted by the current economic climate.

The first recipient of a donation was the Green’s Windmill and Science Centre, based in Sneinton, Notts, which received a cheque for £1,000 on January 22.

Green's Windmill celebrates the life of its former owner, scientist George Green, and functions as a working windmill, museum and educational centre.

The team there works tirelessly to keep the legacy of George Green alive, and has to raise an estimated £80,000 annually just to stay afloat.

Not only does the landmark offer a range of events throughout the year, local school children make up many of its visitors, and the site is even home to an apple tree grown from the seed of Isaac Newton's Woolsthorpe Manor apple tree, which inspired him to formulate his theory of gravity.

Justin Wilkins, joint managing director at The Wilkins Group, which makes food packaging for many of the UK's leading food producers, said:

“We are a proud Nottingham-based firm and we wanted to make a difference to our local area and to the people who live here."

The Wilkins Group announced its ‘12 months of giving' campaign in December, kick-starting the initiative with an innovative calendar and desk tidy that was sent to its customers as a Christmas gift.

Each month, the calendar highlights a different Nottinghamshire charity, outlining its work and why The Wilkins Group would be donating towards each cause.

Justin said: "The windmill is a landmark that I have seen locally ever since I was a child, and the sheer amount of donations it requires to stay functional is phenomenal. The reaction to our 12 months of giving campaign has been fantastic. Our clients have loved it."

Denny Plowman, trustee and treasurer at Green's Windmill said:

"We are a local charity with international connections, but most of our time is spent looking for grants and attracting donations to keep this show on the road."

"We currently employ two members of staff including one miller, and this donation from The Wilkins Group will go towards our day-to-day running costs. Throughout the year we hold many events, and we need to keep our name in the minds of local people and remind them to come and visit us."

It is thought that former owner George Green was the first person to create a mathematical theory of electricity and magnetism, which formed the foundation for the work of other scientists such as James Clerk Maxwell, William Thomson, and others.

Justin added:

"We know the team at Green's Windmill has more expenses than usual, and some extensive repairs are underway. We hope our contribution will go some way to keeping the sails turning for generations to come."

The Wilkins Group is a family run firm that produces food packaging for the likes of Pukka, Pizza Express, Harrods and Cadbury - to name a few.

It also is credited with producing bespoke and award-winning items such as eco-friendly coat hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles.